Casio G’zOne Commando getting a software update

The Casio G’zOne Commando hasn't been forgotten by Verizon, and should be seeing a software update shortly to address some bugs and patch up a bit on the security side. There's no mention of a version update, so we're pretty sure it will still be on Gingerbread, but bug fixes and the like are always welcome. The change log reads as such --

Speakerphone successfully turns off after a Push to Talk call is completed.

Improved device stability decreases power cycles during a Push to Talk call.

Mobile IM application has been removed from the device.

Desk Cradle application has been updated with the latest bug fixes.

Android partner security bulletin has been applied to the device.

The new security patch is a great thing, and the removal of the Mobile IM app probably is, too. When nobody uses your "value-added" apps, it's time to strip them out. No word on when to expect this one, but if you're rocking the Mil-Spec G’zOne ( I love typing that name) be on the lookout. Hey Verizon -- Rezound next, please?

Square Enix showing off Final Fantasy Dimensions and other titles for Android at Gamescom

Square Enix is bringing the big guns of late when it comes to Android. In recent weeks we've seen the release of the mighty Final Fantasy III, and the original Final Fantasy that sneaked out just last week. It doesn't stop there though, as the prominent game developer is headed to Gamescom, in Germany, to show off their next Final Fantasy title for Android, Final Fantasy Dimensions.

While Dimensions will undoubtedly be the main attraction, Square Enix will also show off a number of future Android titles. There will be a couple of matching, strategy based games called Qwirkle and Motley Blocks, KooZac which is described as a mix of Tetris and Sudoku, and their own brain training game known as Mensa Academy will be out for testing. It's fantastic news for Android as a gaming platform, to see big name developers such as Square Enix getting on board.

Archos 97 Carbon now available, on sale to boot

It's kind of a tough time to be any Android tablet not named Nexus 7, but try telling that to the Archos 97 Carbon, which is now available online. At $229 (with a $20 discount) it doesn't match the price of the Nexus 7, nor does it under the hood, where you'll find Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a 1GHz processor. On the other hand, you get a larger display, so there's that.

Hit the link below if you want to give this guy a go, and use code MAC45Z to save $20 at checkout.

Samsung India starts offering the 32GB Galaxy S3

We know how much you kids crave storage, and so for prospective Galaxy S3 buyers in India we bring good news. Until now, only the 16GB variant of the latest Samsung flagship have been available in the country. But, Samsung India is changing all that with the release of the 32GB version.

In stock now over on Samsung India's website, the 32GB Galaxy S3 is available in both the Metallic Blue and Ceramic White colors. Pricing is set at Rs.41500 (£476/$747) which is on the hefty side, but then we are talking a premium device and more available storage, and isn't a massive amount more than the 16GB S3.

T-Mobile 'retires' the Sidekick, don't confuse it with a discontinuation though

For years, T-Mobile had great success with the Sidekick line of devices. That is before the smartphone market really blew up. Their most recent effort with the line can't be called a success, despite the fact they teamed up with Samsung to create the Android 2.2 powered Sidekick 4G with all sorts of (at the time) updated customizations.

Perhaps that's the reason T-Mobile is sending the brand into retirement as confirmed to Phonescoop. Yep, it'll be a while before we see another Sidekick branded device come onto the market. However; T-Mobile was quick to point out they're not discontinuing the line. Instead, just giving it a little rest and relaxation. Go on; pretend to be surprised in the comments.

Gmail video chat being upgraded to Google+ Hangouts

If we were ever in doubt that Google+ is becoming more of a focus for Google, today's Gmail announcement just reinforces it a little bit more. The video chat feature in Gmail is being replaced as of this morning. Taking its place, Google+ Hangouts.

It isn't that surprising to see this integration eventually come around, but it is still a welcome upgrade. Google+ Hangouts is already a pretty powerful video conferencing tool, and without having to be in Google+ to use it just makes it that bit more useful day-to-day. It also means that you're able to reach your contacts for video chatting on their mobile devices too.

The beauty is, every Gmail user will benefit from this upgrade, they don't have to be using Google+. But, if you're a user of both, then you can enjoy the full Hangouts experience such as watching YouTube videos together, collaborating on documents, or perhaps more importantly, dressing as a pirate.

Fake Infinity Blade II Android port weasels into Google Play

Some wily con artist thought it would be a good idea to snag the branding and assets of Infinity Blade II and post it as their own on Google Play. Except instead of actually including the game in the download, they try to get hopeful players to collect a bunch of points through ad clicks on the TapJoy network before delivering an asset pack that amounts to about 1 GB of nothing. The Google Play listing is convincing enough to the casual observer: description verbiage pulled right from the iOS App Store, "2011 Chair Entertainment Group LLC" as the developer name, the familiar icon, and even a few fake positive reviews to round things out.

The fact that TapJoy partners with such shady outfits is one thing, but scams like this should never get into Google Play. Not only does it cause a ton of disappointment in Android users, but do you think Chair and EA are remotely interested in making an official port after stuff like this? Smaller apps getting duped in schemes like this is unfortunate, but expected; how can a big developer and recognizable title like Infinity Blade II make it this far? Does Google Play need to be better curated?

The Barnes and Noble line consisting of the Nook Tablet and Nook Color aren't exactly known for their available mapping solutions. That's because they lack the GPS hardware needed in order to function correctly but that doesn't mean there isn't any way around that. Skobbler knows that and as such, they've gone ahead and launched ForeverMap 2 for the devices.

Using WiFi positioning, ForeverMap 2 will bring access to global and local digital maps, that will assist with local search, address search and category search. You'll find no turn-by-turn here but the app is free to try out, should you decide you like it, a premium version is available for $5 that opens it up for unlimited access to downloadable maps for offline use. Need to know more? The press release is below along with the download link.

T-Mobile Galaxy Note review

The timing for the Samsung Galaxy Note on T-Mobile may seem a little odd, but that doesn't necessarily detract from the oversized Android smartphone.

Reviewing a phone like the Samsung Galaxy Note for the third time is a difficult task. All the good points have been pointed out, and the not-so-good points have been argued to death, and no matter what you think, you know something bigger, stronger, and faster is coming shortly. OK, maybe not bigger in this case, but the fact remains that no matter what we think of it, the next new shiny is right around the corner. Welcome to the world of Android, and an AC editor's nightmare.

The Galaxy Note is a little easier though. It's simply not the average Android smartphone. The size (what a big, gorgeous display), seems to polarize users, with some thinking it's ridiculous, and others ready to throw money until one is in their hands. This not only gives bloggers something to talk about, but a unique experience that's refreshing to review -- even almost a year after it was first introduced.

What do I, an admitted fan of smaller phones, think of the T-Mobile Galaxy Note? Read on.

T-Mobile Galaxy Note price and availability: $249 on Aug. 8

Yeah, we know that T-Mobile's take on the Samsung Galaxy Note is already officially official, but now its really super-duper official, and we've got all the gritty details. The magenta network is launching the Note on Aug. 8 for $249.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate (c'mon, stop it with those) and an industry-standard two-year contract. If you elect to go with one of T-Mobile's Value Plans, it'll cost you $199.99 up-front, and $20 installments thereafter until the handset is paid off.

As far as specs, it's pretty much the same Note we've seen before, with a gigantic 5.3-inch 800x1280 screen, dual-core 1.5 GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and the addition of a 42mbps HSPA+ radio for T-Mobile's "4G" network.

Interested in knowing every bit of information possible about the Note? Of course you are. Be sure to read our full review, and check the official press release after the break.

16GB Google Nexus 7 now listed as 'in stock' on Google Play

When it comes to the Google Nexus 7, availability on the Google Play Store has been flipped off and on more than a light switch. Google has been working on that though and now, residents in the U.S., Canada and the UK are seeing the 16GB version as in stock. There's no telling how long it will stay like that so, if you're looking to get one in the next 3-5 days you'll want to hit the link below and place your order. Still on the fence about it all? Check out our full review to help you decide.

Forever Drive brings unending user-generated racing tracks to Android

Forever Drive, one of my favorite racing games on iOS, made the jump to Android this weekend. From a top-down perspective, players tilt or tap their way through an endless series of user-created courses for as long as they can before time runs out. Players earn experience points, level up, and get access to new cars and license plates. The real selling point are the smooth, stark, pseudo-Tron graphics that set a truly unique atmosphere. Here's a quick feature run-down.

In-Game Track Editor: extremely easy-to-use editor to make beautiful, winding city tracks with just a few touches!

Weekly challenge mode: race against the world and competitors’ ghost cars on specially created tracks

Regional Leaderboards: see how you stack up against other players around you and compete against them

4 different control types: arcade, tilt, digital pro, analog pro

Unlock new cars, paintwork, buildings and license plates!

Race against the clock to accumulate XP for LEVELING UP, and access to brand new content.

Custom 3D engine rendering

The game is free with optional in-app purchases, which I found were generally done in a classy way. Give it a shot and lets us know about any device compatibility issues.

LG Canada Twitter account says no Android 4.0 ICS for the Optimus 2X

The ongoing saga of "Will my Optimus 2X get Android 4.0?" takes another twist courtesy of LG Canada. Previously, LG Singapore had said via their Facebook page the update was coming in Q3 but now, LG Canada has taken to Twitter to say that's not the case at all and that it was a mistake based on a general statement from HQ. We're not entirely too sure what that means unless it's code for stuff we just say to calm people down and can then later retract. In any case, we've reached out to LG to hopefully get a better response on the matter because social media accounts aren't always the final word.

Following months of legal wrangling, injunctions and appeals, Samsung and Apple will face off in a federal court in San Jose today. The two companies accuse each other of patent and design infringement, with Apple seeking more than $2.5bn in damages, and Samsung looking to claim royalties for five of its own patents.

The narrative is all too familiar -- Apple accuses Samsung of being a "copycat" and imitating its products and inventions rather than coming up with its own stuff. Samsung counters that Apple's claims are overly broad, and that its actions are anti-competitive and monopolistic.

Apple will argue that Samsung has copied its patented designs, and that Samsung's products, in both hardware and software, are "confusingly similar" to the iPhone and iPad. It's a tactic which has been met with some success, notably in the German courts, over the past year. However, it's backfired in the UK, where a High Court judge recently ruled that Samsung did not copy Apple's iPad designs, and ordered Apple to take out ads to this effect.

So we're in for yet more claims and counterclaims, with the certainty of appeals to follow whatever verdicts the court reaches. So strap yourself in, and prepare for endless back and forth lawyerin' over the coming weeks. As our own Jerry Hildenbrand noted in his recent editorial, this is just the way things have to be in the mobile tech world in 2012. Let's just hope that whatever the decision, it doesn't impact consumers' freedom to choose the phone they want.